Pedros and what they do "That Others May Live"

If you ever happen to hear an aircraft with the callsign "Pedro" on your frequency you better clear the airspace for them because shit is about to get real. Why you ask? Find out below!

A USAF Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk

Aircraft related to the callsign "Pedro" belong to the US Air Force Rescue Squadrons or "RQS" that perform in the critical role of CSAR or "Combat Search and Rescue". Going back in history the first CSAR operations can be found even in World War I when pilots landed behind enemy lines to pick up their downed squadronmates. Only a few decades later and with the even more versatile helicopters that have been introduced to the war theaters dedicated rescue squadrons have been established. Starting this legacy in the Korea Conflict, the Vietnam War showed the full potential with the different branches participating in CSAR. The US Army used Bell UH-1 "Huey"´s as "Dust Off" MedEvac (Medical Evacuation) helicopters while the USAF relayed on the Kaman HH-43 "Husky", Sikorky HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" and the Sikrosky HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant". Their business was the rescue of downed aircrews as well as the extraction of wounded or injured soldiers and "business was good" - there was plenty of work to do.

Sikorsky HH-53C "Super Jolly Green Giant" on a rescue mission over Vietnam in 1972 (Copyright United States Air Force)

This is when the legend of the green feet was born and the USAF rescue squadrons made themselfs a name that stood for excellence and devotion to help others even in the face of death. It was the time which revealed those with hearts of gold that put the life of others over their own health and not just once payed with their lives. Stories as the one of William H. Pitsenbarger display exactly those core values that it takes to be amongst one of those Pedros - aircrew or PJ (Pararescue Jumper). Just have a look at the clip below to get a taste of what we are talking about here:

 

The Pedros today follow the footsteps of those who served before them showing the core values it takes to save others. One of those squadrons is the 56th Rescue Squadron. Constituted in 1952 they flew missions in Morocco, Vietnam and Iceland amongst others. Currently being based at RAF Lakenheath and transiting to Aviano the squadron operates the Sikorsky HH-60G "Pave Hawk" - a specialised rescue version of the Sikorsky S70 models. It is equipped with a weather radar, FLIR, a refuelling probe, defensive weapons and countermeasures and of course it is capable of nighttime operations under NVG´s (night vision goggles).

So whenever you happen to come across one of those probe equipped mustache wearing beautiful grey choppers with green feet painted to their sides show them the respect we owe those who sacrifice all "That Others May Live"!

In memory of "Jolly 22"